One of the nearest Himalayan trekking destinations from Kathmandu, Helambu Treks is the perfect combination of nature and culture.
Mesmerizing views of the Himalayan ranges and exploration of Himalayan lifestyles and cultures of the Helambu region create a wonderful trekking experience in the mountains.
A moderately challenging journey to Helambu starts from Sundarijal, 1 hour driving from Kathmandu, and is the entry point of Shivapuri National Park. An epic journey commences from this point, entering the national park.
We reach the Helambu Valley bypassing the paradise of different flora and fauna, including overseas orchids and several natural worlds and birds.
Although this trek is moderately complex, we must encounter steep terrains and stone steps inside the conservation area. Trekking further to Melamchi Bazaar, we conclude our trekking and drive back to Kathmandu before departing from Kathmandu.
This short and easy trek is well-known for its remarkable 180 degrees of Himalayan scenery, including the Gauri Shanker, Jugal Himal, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, and Dorje Lakpa, and the whole range from Annapurna to the west and Makalu in the east.
Throughout the journeys, Tamang and Sherpa settlements and people are very welcoming and hospitable and scattered on both sides of Melamchi Khola.
Day | Highlight | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Kathmandu Arrival (1350m/4429ft) | Kathmandu |
Day 2 | Drive to Sundarijal (1,385m/4,545ft), Trek to Chisopani (2,295 m/7,655 ft) | Chisopani |
Day 3 | Trek from Chisopani (2,295m/7,655 ft) to Khutumsang (2,470 m/8,250 ft) | Khutumsang |
Day 4 | Trek from Khutumsang (2,470 m/8,250 ft) to Tharepati (3,690 m/11635 ft) | Tharepati |
Day 5 | Trek from Tharepati (3,690 m/11,635 ft) to Tarke Gyang (2,600 m/9,115 ft) | Tarke Gyang |
Day 6 | Trek from Tarke Gyang (2,600 m/9,115 ft) to Sermanthang (2,590 m/8,715 ft) | Sermanthang |
Day 7 | Trek from Sermanthang (2,590 m/8,715 ft) to Malemchi Bazar (850 m/2825 ft) | Malemchi Bazar |
Day 8 | Drive from Malemchi Bazar (850 m/2825 ft) to Kathmandu (1350 m/4429 ft) | Kathmandu |
Day 9 | Farewell |
You are welcome to the Himalayan country-Nepal. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will complete your formalities and pick up your luggage, looking for our representative with a Holy Mountain Treks with the Group leader's name display board at the arrival gate.
You will then be greeted by one of our airport representatives by the garland, and you will be shifted to the hotel.
Following the windy streets of Kathmandu, you will reach your hotel and check-in. After some refreshments, you will visit Holy Mountain Trek's office.
You will meet your trip leader and do the final preparation for the trip. Then, in the evening, you can ramble around the streets of Thamel- the tourist hub.
After having breakfast at your hotel, your trip leader will pick you up to drive to Sundarijal, the starting point of the trek. But, first, enter the Shivapuri National Park crossing a small hydroelectric plant.
Dive into the national park and pass species of flora and fauna, reaching the Tamang settlement- Mulkharka.
Getting lunch there, continue the trek towards Chisopani- a place of cold water via the densely forested lands of rhododendron, pine, and oaks. In the spring months, you can see the entire hills filled with rhododendron and other multiple-colored wildflowers.
After an hour’s walk, we reach Chisopani- a place with magnificent Himalayan sceneries for an overnight stay.
Waking early for the mesmerizing sunrise from Chisopani is a perfect treat as the views from here are magnificent. The yellowish first rays of the sun over glittering peaks look astounding.
After breakfast, your trek shall begin passing lustrous meadows and fields, enjoying panoramic views of the Langtang ranges.
Walking downward to a saddle in the ridge, you will reach the small and pleasant village of Pathi Bhanjyang.
Climbing over landscapes and a ridge to another cross, you will reach Gul Bhanjyang. After viewing the Himalayan sceneries and lustrous terrain, we hike downward, reaching Kutumsang, our day destination, and spend overnight in one of the cozy teahouses.
Recently after the first meal of the day, begin your journey following a ridgeline passing a couple of local settlements, waterfalls, and meadows; you reach Magen Goth- a vantage point for mesmerizing Langtang and Gosaikund peaks.
After getting lunch here, continue trekking, ascending via forested lands and steep trails. Finally, following the footsteps of the guide passing the rough trails, you reach Tharepati- our day destination and the highest point of our trek and spend overnight.
Another exciting day is ahead. You will get a plethora of chances to see diverse cultures and the way of living of the different ethnic groups. Then, starting the trek, you will head towards the east, off the ridgeline, descending downhill, reaching mesmerizing Melamchi village inhabited by Sherpa people.
This village consists of numerous Buddhist Stupas, Chortens, and monasteries, including one of the oldest and biggest monasteries in the region, prayer flags, prayer wheels, and long Mane walls.
You will trek up to Tarkeghyang, exploring them all, passing via these settlements, and witnessing the Himalayan peaks. One of the villages here is more popularly known as Helambu since most inhabitants belong to the Hyolmo caste.
A more accessible trail to pass today in comparison to the earlier ones. The journey commences walking, passing the flatlands, beautiful woodlands, small but gorgeous waterfalls, and smooth terrains on the way. Finally, walking approximately four hours, we shall reach the small settlement of Shermathang.
In the village, you can interact with the local Sherpas exploring their cultures, traditions, and way of living. Religious shrines as antique monasteries, small chortens, and stupas add the beauty of this village.
With the mesmerizing Himalayan sceneries, you will get the first meal of the day and head for Melamchi Bazaar- the ending point of our trek. The journey shall be exciting and pleasant. A nice downward hike leads you to the beautiful valley of Melamchi.
You can see an enormous shrine dedicated to Guru Rinpoche and explore it on the way down. Then, passing some villages, terraced fields, amazing landscapes, terraced lands, cultivated areas, you will reach Melamchi Bazaar and spend overnight there.
Departing these hills, streams, torrential rivers, and lustrous vegetation, you will be driving back to Kathmandu. On the way, from the windows of your vehicle, you can see amazing natural sceneries and farmlands with seasonal crops or vegetables.
Driving around 4-5 hours, you will arrive at the ancient city of Kathmandu. Trekkers shall be escorted to their respective hotels, and they may freshen up and choose to explore the city during the night, as Thamel would be a great option.
You will be transferred to the Tribhuvan International Airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled flight. If you have plenty of time, you can visit the local market around Thamel and purchase some Nepali products, garment staff, and other gifts for your beloved ones.
Holy Mountain Treks, thank you for this fantastic journey to Helambu. I hope you have a pleasant trip to your onward destination.
Namaste!!!!!